The 1932 Season Part 2. Griffith 's plan (for the outfield in 1932) worked well, as Reynolds, who would end up hitting .302 for his career, was having a great season until Independence Day, 1932, when he crashed into Yankee catcher Bill Dickey in a close play at the plate. This triggered one of the rowdiest incidents in Griffith Stadium history. Dickey, a tough 25-year-old already on his way to the Hall of Fame, was incensed by the way Reynolds barged into him, which had caused him to drop the ball. Unbeknownst to anyone but the Yankee players, the same thing had happened to Dickey a few days before in Boston. Furthermore, Reynolds, a 200-pounder, was known for being one of those players who slid particularly hard, which may endear a player to his manager, but not to enemy fielders.
As Reynolds trotted toward the dugout following the collision, Dickey came running from behind, got in front of him, and socked him in the mouth, breaking his jaw in two places. Dickey was suspended for 30 days and fined $1,000 for his one-punch decision. Carl Reynolds, who had been hitting for the Nats like he had for Chicago during his great season in '30, did not regain his batting eye when he returned following a six-week layoff. Underweight after having his jaw wired during the convalescence, his average slumped over 50 points to .305 for the season.
It must be said that Sam Rice, at 42 years of age, performed admirably while Reynolds was absent, managing .323 in 106 games. Rice, who would have to wait until age 73 to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, was performing at a high level at an age when most Hall of Famers were either on the coaching lines or enjoying a more leisurely lifestyle back in their hometowns.
Another snap by Brown Brothers:
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